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Meth addiction starts out similar to cocaine. The addict is looking for an “upper”, a powerful stimulant. It is regularly available everywhere, so it isn’t hard to find. Typically, the “rocks” of methamphetamine are chopped into a powder and aspirated through a straw similar to cocaine. But the high sensation starts immediately, within seconds of dosage, and lasts for days.

Of all drugs, perhaps meth has the strongest withdrawal period, a potent post-high letdown. The after affects are a potent depression and paranoia, a dangerous mix that leaves the addict in a volatile, violent state similar to PCP. The only recovery for it is to re-dose with meth again, which will produce another high not quite as peaked, but with a post-high letdown twice as bad. And so on. Generally, an addict who has been “up” on meth qualifies as a violent psychopath, pure and simple.

The effects of a meth buzz have a number of physiological effects. Chief among them is the inability to sleep while on it. It is nothing for the addict to stay awake for an entire week, which is called a “run”. Another factor is loss of appetite. Meth and the ingredients of many over-the-counter appetite suppressants in fact have some chemical roots in common. A meth addict on a run will even gag if they try to force themselves to eat. Because of this effect, women who are sensitive to their weight and would be prone to anorexia anyway are especially susceptible to psychological addiction.

Another side effect is “cotton mouth”, the exceeding dryness of the salivary glands. A meth user on a run will be constantly drinking a beverage, but since they have little taste, they will constantly pick sugary drinks as the only thing palatable. As a result, dental decay is so common among meth users that the condition of having many advanced cavities at once is often called “meth mouth”.

The psychological effects of the high are tremendous. A meth dosage essentially showers the brain with dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and adrenalin all at the same time, resulting in a euphoric state of hyper-excitement.

Addicts under the influence will talk rapidly, have uncontainable energy, and will sometimes become instantly obsessive and compulsive. It is common for a meth addict on a run to start some ambitious task, such as remodeling their house or re-assembling their car, only to be unable to finish the job when they come down three days later. More likely, they will strike out on some kind of quest-like pursuit, obsessing on that task and nothing else. Sometimes the motivations for this will be a paranoid, delusional fantasy.

The street slang: Meth itself goes most frequently by the names of ‘crystal’, ‘meth’, ’speed’, ‘crank’, and ‘go-fast’. Quantities are most frequently an ‘8-ball’ (an eighth of an ounce, the price of which is the scale for all transactions), a ‘baggie’ or ‘bag’ (whatever the amount you can get for $20), and of course a ‘line’ or ‘rail’ (the amount dosed in one sitting). The addict who is on a run will be described as ‘tweaked’, ’sketching’, or ‘wired’, and on the withdrawal side as ‘coming down’, ‘burning’, ‘crashing’, or ’spun’. Many other slang terms will be introduced by region and local dialect variations.

During the withdrawal state, the addict may experience suicidal depression, intense paranoid delusions, a sense of panic and desperation, hallucinations, and intense emotions. The addict might believe in highly fanciful conspiracy theories, be on the run from imaginary oppressors, have an elaborate revenge plot against someone they think has wronged them, might be convinced they’ve been kidnapped by a UFO, and so on. If relief is sought by redosing, it is important to note that the symptoms of withdrawal do not go away, but are merely masked by the new high.

The cycle repeats as many times as the addict can possibly lay their hands on the substance. When “crashing” finally occurs, the addict may sleep for as long as 48 hours, and hopefully eat a few hearty meals upon awakening before beginning another run.

Ephedrine and amphetamine is extracted from other drugs, most frequently cold remedies, cough syrup, and prescription drugs used to treat ADD. The process of ‘cooking’ meth is done in the famous ‘meth labs’, which are a smelly, flammable operation. Meth labs may be set up on-the-fly in a hotel room or car, or frequently located in a shack out in the desert away from prying eyes and curious noses. The volatile substances and the jerry-rigged nature of the cooking equipment (such as a hotplate), combined with the shaky nerves of the preparer as they repeatedly sample their own product, combine to make it extremely likely that a massive fire will start.

The impurity of the cooking process combined with the common practice of mixing in other chemicals to cut the potency of the mixture (and hence make more money selling it, referred to as ’stepping on it’), ensure that a large percentage of addicts will have significant health problems. Skin lesions, rashes, sores, ulcers, and a host of medical problems will afflict long-term addicts as the cocktails of random chemicals they’ve been ingesting literally eats them from the inside out.

This is only the beginning of the study of meth culture and its detrimental effects on society. The studious law enforcement professional is advised to get an in-depth working knowledge from the standard educational resources, and even if they don’t deal with drug enforcement itself, awareness of the pervasiveness of the problem is always a good thing to have. You never know exactly where it will pop up, but the odds are good you will meet a few meth addicts before long if you work in any kind of law enforcement capacity.

If you’re a man in mid life experiencing reduced sexual desire you’re not alone. Surveys show as many as 25% of men experience reduced sex drive and low sex drive affects one in three marriages. When low sex drive is mentioned, the spouse with the problem is usually categorized as the wife. However, there are many husbands who aren’t interested in sex with their wives. And there is plenty you can do to boost low libido and restore normal desire.

Low Sex Drive More Common Than You Think

Men find it hard to admit to or talk about low sex drive because being sexual is so much part of being a man. But low sex drive is a more common problem than you might think. Declining testosterone levels as a natural consequence of aging, plus stress from work and family demands can add up to sexual burn out. Sexual therapists report increasing numbers of men who experience low libido – and it’s often made worse because people find it so difficult to talk about. § Complaints about low desire are the No 1 problem brought to sex therapists.

Low Libido – You Don’t Have to Put Up With It

Whether lack of desire originates with husband or wife, the end result is the same. There is a lack of physical contact, which is experienced by the other partner as the ultimate rejection. Many couples think they are the only ones with the problem. They feel as though nothing can be done about it. But low libido is a problem that’s actually increased with the stresses of modern life – and sex is such a vital part of our lives no one should accept it’s “all over”. So if anyone tells you that a declining sex drive is something that you just have to put up with as you get older – they’re wrong.

Low Libido – What You Can Do About It If anyone tells you that low libido is something that you just have to put up with as you get older – they’re wrong. Thousands of men and women are discovering the benefits of natural sex boosters like tribulus terrestris, horny goat weed, maca, muira puama, and ginseng. Modern science and traditional medicine have joined forces to show how popular natural sex boosters work. Many of the active ingredients in traditional herbs have been investigated to work out just what it is in the herb which gives the good results. Those ingredients, in the form pure measurable active extracts, are now available in dietary supplement capsule which are easy to take and don’t cost a lot. However do not expect these natural products to work as quickly as pharmaceuticals, Natural sex boosters work a little slower, and while they may take a few days to work, they often provide additional benefits such as boosting libido and enhancing sensations.

Low Libido – Five Steps to Boost Desire Just Do It – frequent sex helps jump start desire.

§ Tailor activity to hormonal highs: Men’s testosterone, a primary hormone responsible for sexual desire, peaks at 7 to 8 in the morning.

§ Don’t bury your head in the sand. Ignoring the problem isn’t healthy. You need to get help.

§ Talk about what you need. § Don’t keep score. Stop the blame game. It’s a couple problem that requires change from both of you.

Low Libido Is NOT Impotence Low libido is the same as low sex drive – but not the same thing as impotence or erectile dysfunction. Impotence or ED is wanting to have sex but not being able to carry through on the desire. Low libido is having little desire for sex even if you are capable of achieving erections. Causes of Low Libido in Men The causes ofLow Libido in men are physical and psychological.

Physical Causes of Low Libido

§ Alcoholism – most common § Drug abuse – cocaine and marijuana § Obesity – common

§ Diabetes or other “major” disease

§ Prescribed drugs, particularly Proscar, a tablet used for prostate problems

§ Low testosterone levels

§ Thyroid disease Psychological Causes of Low Libido

§ Depression – most common § Stress and overwork

§ Performance anxiety § Latent gayness § Serious relationship problems What Can You Do About Low Libido in Men

§ Check hormone levels

§ Have a health examination

§ Get testosterone supplementation if necessary § Consider supplements

§ Lose weight

§ Exercise

§ Control stress § Stop smoking

Check Hormone Levels

Men should have testosterone, DHEA and other androgen levels checked whenever there is any noticeable reduction in sex drive.

Have a Health Examination

Low sex drive may be the result of a thyroid condition,diabetes, hypertension, high blood pressure or other major illness. You should also discuss what other medications you are taking, because some anti depressants, tranquilizers and antihypertensive drugs as well as illegal drugs like marijuana and cocaine can reduce sex drive.

Get Testosterone Supplementation if Needed For

Men, lifting testosterone levels can make a big difference in restoring libido and sex drive to normal levels. Testosterone is available in pill or patch form, or can be accessed by taking herbal formulas like proprietary supplement Herbal Ignite, containing Tribulus Terrestris.

Consider Supplements to Help Low Libido

Increasingly herbs which have been used traditionally by ancient peoples for thousands of years are being identified in modern science as useful for sexual enhancement.

Herb Name                         Herb Information

Avena Sativa                     Wild oats. Helps with stress, has been used to help nicotine withdrawal,                                                 improves sex drive.

Tribulus terrestris            Stimulates the body to produce more testosterone rather than introducing a                                             synthetic form.

Damiana                             This South America shrub has a testosterone-like effect and has long been                                                associated with increasing male potency.

Gingko Biloba                     Used in the East for thousands of years. Research has shown it improves                                                depression, circulation and blood flow to the brain.

Horny Goat Weed                A popular herb for improving sexual function.

Yohimbe                               A hormone stimulant that increases libido and blood flow to erectile tissue                                                Not available only in some regions because of the side effects which can                                                   include anxiety, panic attacks, and hallucinations, elevated blood                                                                   pressure  heart rate and headaches.

Zinc                                        An essential mineral for prostate gland function and the reproductive    
health. Do not take more than 100mg a day.

Saw palmetto                       Excellent herb for prostate health, sexual functioning and desire.

Guarana                               South American shrub used as a stimulant.

Ginseng                               Used throughout the Far East as a general tonic to give extra energy and                                                    strength. Beneficial for people with diabetes.

Lose Weight to Help Improve Low Libido Easier said than done for sure, but the uncomfortable reality is big bellied men have flagging libido. Men with a 42 inch (106 cm) waist are more than twice as likely to have erectile problems andLow Libidothan those with smaller girths, according to a study of 2000 men aged 51 to 88. According to Larrian Gillespie MD author of The Gladiator Diet “for men, losing as little as ten pounds can have a dramatic effect on sex drive.” As the balance of body fat reduces, the more free circulating testosterone there is available to fuel sex drive.

The Gladiator Diet is based on a diet that should be 40% protein, 35% carbohydrates and 25% fats taken in six small meals a day.

§ Forget low carb fad diets. Only a diet that includes protein and carbs produces enough serotonin “the male hormone of bliss” according to Jed Diamond, author of The Irritable Male Syndrome – Managing the 4 Key Causes of Male Depression and Aggression.www.menalive.com

§ Alcohol gives serotonin a temporary bump but then dramatically lowers it, so it pays to go easy on booze.

§ To maximize testosterone, Diamond says, stay away from coffee, licorice and diet sweeteners.

Exercise to help Improve Low Libido Research shows inactive men are more likely to suffer Erectile Dysfunctionthan men who exercise for at least 30 minutes a day.

Five Essential Habits for Stress Control

§ Develop your relaxation skills § Pay attention to physical health

§ Become a time management expert

§ Exercise regularly

§ Prioritize commitments and responsibilities

Check out these stress tests for a range of tests you can take to learn more about your own stress levels and ability to cope. Or try the free stress test at Stress Canada and find out whether you are a Speed Freak, a Loner or a Drifter – three of five stress types identified in research.

Stop Smoking to Help Improve Low Libido

Smoking can lower testosterone and increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, aneurysms, and hypertension because of elevated cholesterol levels. You can also add impotency to that group, as elevated cholesterol clogs the sensitive small blood vessels responsible for trapping blood in the penis during an erection.

Don’t Put Up with Low Libido

You don’t have to be the one staying up watching TV, waiting for your partner to go to bed first, hoping she’ll (or he) will be asleep before you get to bed. You don’t have to put up with the guilt of feeling you can’t respond and that you can’t talk about it either. Many men take years to admit there is a problem and get around to doing something about it. Consult your health practitioner, research possible dietary supplements on the web, or talk to your pharmacist, and take action for a fuller and more enjoyable sex life.

One of the drugs that you may have heard of is “ecstasy,” which is the street name for MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine). This drug causes hallucinations and also acts as a stimulant. Used by many children much in the way that people used LSD in the sixties, the effects of using MDMA are much the same as those caused by amphetamines and cocaine. These include sleeplessness, confusion, depression, anxiety, paranoia, and drug cravings. It also causes muscle tension, profuse sweating, and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Usually found in a white pill form, this drug is also known as “Adam” and “XTC.” If you suspect that your child is taking “ecstasy,” you should talk to him and explain the dangers involved in using this particular drug. If a user ceases to abuse MDMA, there are no withdrawal symptoms that are known to accompany some other substances.

While many parents know what cocaine is, many do not realize that crack is also a form of this drug. Powdered cocaine is mixed with water and baking soda and heat is applied, leaving a rock of purified cocaine. This crack rock is then smoked, giving a more intense “buzz” than regular cocaine can give. Due to the activity of smoking as compare to snorting this drug, the effects of crack last for a much shorter amount of time.

The symptoms of crack use are much the same as they are for regular cocaine. These side effects include hyperactivity, increased heart rate, and higher blood pressure. Due to cocaine’s effect on the appetite, excessive use can lead to serious malnutrition and a substantial weight loss. Long term or large quantity use can lead to a heart attack, stroke, seizures, respiratory failure, and even death. As the addiction to crack is mostly psychological, there are no physical withdrawal symptoms when the user quits.

Prescription drug abuse is also becoming a growing problem among America’s youth. One such drug is oxycontin, a pill that is used as a painkiller. Also known as “hillbilly heroin,” young people tend to smash the capsules, allowing them to snort or swallow a more potent dosage of the drug than the time-released capsule will allow. The resulting “high” is compared to the buzz that people receive when doing heroin, thus the nickname. Many drug centers are reporting large numbers of cases of oxycontin addiction in young people, many of which had no legal prescription for the drug.

The symptoms of this drug include euphoria and may be accompanied by stomach and bowel problems. It can also cause respiratory problems and organ failure when used over a long period of time. When a long time user is taking off the medication, they will experience withdrawal symptoms similar to those of other addictive drugs, such as heroin. If you think that your child is abusing oxycontin, you should confront him immediately. If he experiences withdrawal symptoms, you should seek medical help as he may become very ill and disoriented.

These are just a few of the many drugs that seem to be becoming a problem with today’s youth. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s possible drug usage, you should talk to a doctor or other health professional to make sure that you have all the information that you will need to help your child overcome his drug dependency.

Drug abuse is a widespread issue. The intensity of addiction depends upon the individual and behavior. It is disheartening to know that immature youth fall prey in to the trap without knowing the consequences. The only good news is that drug addiction is treatable. The treatment process is called drug rehabilitation. It aims to bring back the person to normal life and integrate him to the society. The process will involve techniques on how to avoid drugs, teaching new stress management skills and other emotional and behavioral treatments. The location of the center plays a vital role. It must be peaceful and should comfort the addicts. The treatment centers can be private or government operated. But in most cases, the private owned treatment centers may be expensive and highly successful.

It is quite shocking to check that there were over 2.4 million admissions to treatment centers were made in 2007 of which 25% are for alcohol abuse, 15% for marijuana and 15% for heroin in America. The average age group that enters the drug rehabilitation centers is between 35 and 40 years of age. Early exposure to drugs like marijuana, cocaine may spoil the health of the teenagers and affect their performance. Long term use can lead to addiction. The centers may have different treatment programs according to the needs of the individuals. There may be some addicts addicted to cocaine or marijuana or alcohol. Each needs a separate kind of treatment and not need a generic kind.

Drug treatment programs involve counseling and group therapy. The ultimate goal of any rehab program is to make the addict abstinent from the drugs. It will increase the productivity of the patient and try to build up good health and confidence. Withdrawal symptoms can be treated effectively. The success of the good programs is heavily dependent on the trained professionals who run the center. The individual talents and motivation from the staff can make a huge difference in the life of addicts. Patients must actively engage in the programs. No program can be highly successful without the co-operation of the patients. The courage and confidence must be obtained which results in better participation. Co-operation with the staff and confidence gaining can help in beating the addiction.

Rehab centers must have variety of programs to suit the various needs of the addicts. Choosing a drug rehab center is a crucial decision. The programs offered may comprise of inpatient, residential, outpatient, and/or short-stay options. Cost is an important factor and the price tag differs according to the programs. The kind of stay or program will be decided by the severity of the addiction. A clear understanding on what the programs offer is needed. The addict must know on what to expect from the program and what best he can offer as his contribution. The center must offer extended care program to monitor the success and behavior of the patients as a part of their program.

Marijuana today is not what it was even a couple of decades ago, and parents may be underestimating the threat that marijuana poses to today’s teens.

The potency of marijuana has increased many-fold in the last couple of decades alone, and it is as much as 6 times as strong as the marijuana of the 60’s and 70’s. With increased potency unfortunately comes an increased risk for social and health problems and addiction, and with addiction, the inevitable need to detox off of the drug.

Addictions professionals now recognize marijuana as an addictive drug, and there is a documented syndrome of withdrawal symptoms that occur when marijuana addicts try to break free from their habit. The intensity of these marijuana withdrawal symptoms may not be as great as with drugs like heroin, and they may not be as dangerous as a detox off of alcohol; but they are real, they are unpleasant, and they do pose a threat to recovery.

What are the symptoms of marijuana withdrawal?

Marijuana withdrawal symptoms can include insomnia, irritability, aggression, nausea, a lack of appetite, headaches and very strong cravings for the drug. So strong are the cravings and so uncomfortable are the withdrawal symptoms, that many people cannot get past the initial few days of intense withdrawal, and use marijuana again if only to make the symptoms of withdrawal go away.

Marijuana abuse and addiction is the number one reason for a teen entry into drug treatment or drug rehab, and so strong is today’s pot, that many thousands of kids have developed addictions strong enough to require residential treatment, and untold more thousands have developed as yet untreated addictions.

Heavy marijuana use brings an increased risk of present and future psychiatric problems, including depression, anxiety and psychosis, is linked to certain cancers, is linked to developmental delays, and is strongly and negatively linked to academic performance.

How to beat an addiction to marijuana

The reality is that an occasional joint is very unlikely to do much damage, and many people can use marijuana recreationally at this occasional level. But when recreational use becomes regular abuse, and possibly addiction, the detrimental impacts of marijuana on quality of life and potential become very evident( The problems of marijuana addiction).

Many thousands of kids (and adults) need drug treatment each year for assistance bettering an addiction to marijuana, if someone you love is having difficulty reducing their usage or quitting altogether, there are programs and therapies available, and these can be very helpful for anyone committed to quitting.

It is not unusual for anyone to need professional help when dealing with an addiction, and with marijuana addiction, as with any dependency, it is unlikely to go away on its own; and the sooner it’s dealt with, the better the ultimate prognosis.